Improvement in envelopes



UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN XV. VILCOX, OF NFV YORK, ASSIGNOR TO EDVARD H. ENSIGN, OF ORANGE, AND ERASTUS C. BRIDGEMAN, OF CLIFTON, AND THOMAS C. FANNING, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK. i

IMPROVEMENT IN ENVELOPES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 34,927, dated April 8, 1862.

To all whom it may concern.:

Be it known that I, JOHN W. W'ILCOX, of New York, in the county and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Envelopes; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description thereof, reference bein g had to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure l is a side elevation, and Fig. 2 is a cross-section, of an envelope constructed according to my invention,with the tape tied for the temporary confinement of the con-- tents. Fig. 3 is a perspective view, and Fig. 4. is a cross-section, of my improved envelope made in a box form so as to increase its capacity. It is represented in an open condition. Fig. 5 is a side View, and Fig. G is a cross-section, of my improved envelope when scaled for transmission by mail or otherwise.

The nature of my invention consists in the combination of a tape or string with an envelope, so arranged and secured to the envelope as to admit of tying to hold the contents more securely, and of being slipped around to move the knot at pleasure, and when so tied not to admit of being moved toward or off the end, and that when the knot is sealed the presence of the tape shall greatly increase the difficulty of surreptitiously opening the envelope without detection; also, in a box form or rectangular transverse section of the envelope in connection with the use of eyelets or the like, in the manner shown by e j'; also, in the use of a flap at the upper portion of each end of such box-formed envelope for the better protection and security of such ends.

To enable others skilled in the art to make and use my invention, I will proceed to describe it by the aid of the drawings and the letters of reference marked thereon.

My envelope may be made of any ordinary material of sufficient strength and rigidity; but I prefer very stout paper. I construct it f either in the ordinary thin form, as shown in Figs. l, 2, 5, and 6, or in that of a rectangular box of greater or less thickness, as is shown in Figs. 3 and et. To produce the latter form I fold the=paper over a block or former, of a thickness corresponding to the desired thickness of the interior space in the envelope,

and in cutting the paper preparatory to the folding process I make a proper allowance of material for the edges of the envelope, corresponding to the thickness of such space, in the manner which will be obvious to envelope manufacturers. I employ the gum or adhesive matter in the ordinary manner, and afterward insert eyelets a b through the folds to hold them more securely than can be done by adhesive material alone. In the box form, Figs. 3 and 4, I so cut and form the material as to form small top iaps c d in each end, which are to be folded in over the contents before the main flap is closed. They may, if desired, be gummed, so as to adhere to the top for further security. In the main flap A, I insert two eyelets c f in the manner represented, through which I inserta tape or string I, so that it can be slipped around to any desired extent after tying. This tape serves three useful purposes. It forms a ready means of confining the envelope for temporary use by tyingV it, as represented in Fig. l. Itserves to prevent the rupture of the envelope by the elastic force of the contents, when the flap is gunnned down in the ordinary permanent manner; and when the envelope is sealed with wax and the knot of the tape is inclosed in the seal, it prevents the opening of the let` ter by the usual methods of violating a seal.

When about to seal the envelope, the tape' should be tied tightly in a square knot and the ends trimmed off short. The tape is then slipped around until the knot passes inward through one of the eyelets e or f, so as to remain concealed beneath the iiap. The seal is then put on so as to inclose the tape, as is shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The envelope is now well secured against accidental and ordinary injuries, and is less exposed to violation without detection than any other envelope with which I am acquainted.

Having now fully described my invention, what I claim as newtherein, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. The combination of a tape or string with an envelope so attached as to allow of v being slipped around to move the knot, as described, but not to admit of removal when tied, with the effect substantially as herein set forth. y

2. An envelope constructed in box form or with :L wreetanguiar transverse section, and strengthened by eyelets e f or their equivalents, :Ls herein described and shown'.

3. In envelopes of the box form, the use of the supplementary flaps c d at the ends', substantially as and for the purpose herein specilied.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

IOHN WV. VILCOX. Vitnesses:

THOMAS D. STETSON, D. W. STETsoN. 

